Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: More Arts & Crafts

Seeing as how last year’s article about making your own Tiki stuff turned out so well, I thought I would revisit the subject this year.

If the wooden Tiki idol how-to from last year was not to your satisfaction, then perhaps you should try this article about making a cement Tiki garden idol.

What better way to spice up your Tiki bar than to build this nifty model of Thor Heyerdahl’s famous Kon-Tiki raft? If woodworking isn’t your thing, perhaps this papercraft Kon-Tiki replica would be more to your liking. Speaking of papercraft goodies, what Tiki bar would be complete without a dancing hula girl?

Lighting is an essential part of any Tiki set-up, from the dim (but inviting) lamps to the red glowing eyes behind Tiki masks (accomplished by using a red Christmas lightbulb in a nightlight positioned a safe distance behind the mask). Go here to learn how to make your own hurricane lamps and Tiki votive candle holders. Do you want fire in your Tiki bar? Be both safe (and smart) by using one of the many fake flame tutorials available at the Monster Page of Halloween Project Links. Also of interest is this article, which lists types of wood that glow certain colors under a blacklight without needing any UV-reactive paint. It’s the perfect way to make your Tiki stuff extra freaky.

Searching Amazon yielded several mask–makingkits that can be used to create Tiki decor, along with a special mold for making concrete Moais you can use to turn any yard into Easter Island. But if you’re going to go on Amazon to order stuff, you might as well go whole hog and choose from the various masks, idols, and other Tiki essentials that are already made. While we’re on Amazon, I should note how I think this educational “Moon in My Room” toy would work great in both Tiki set-ups and home haunts.

While searching for the above tutorials, I also found some instructions on making musical instruments. While only a few would look good hanging around a Tiki bar, all could be of use for anyone who wants to try their hand a making their own exotica tunes. This article shows how to make a candolin and a bottle xylophone and the very next page of the same magazine shows how to make a boom-whacker and quick ‘n dirty castanets. Although the directions given here are for a “toy” ukelele, I’d imagine that scaling up the plans would result in a serviceable standard ukelele. Finally, you can learn how to make a homemade glockenspiel, triangle, drum, and cymbals here.

For more Tiki decor goodness, be sure to visit the list of Tiki bar ideas over at the amazing TikiBarPlans.org!

As noted in previous “How-To” posts, Gravedigger’s Local 16 is not to be held responsible for the content on or anything that may occur (be it good or bad) as a result of visiting any links on those sites (or constructing a project that’s detailed on them and downloading anything from them). Attempt at your own risk.